Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist appeared to have cleared the first hurdle on his path to becoming New York’s first Muslim mayor, declaring victory in the city’s Democratic primary on Tuesday night, although it could be days before the final result is known.
In a stunning upset, Andrew Cuomo – who had been a heavy favorite until recent weeks - conceded the race, after it become clear the progressive upstart had built a substantial lead over the more experienced but scandal-scarred former governor, reports the Guardian.
In a speech to supporters, Mamdani said, “Tonight, we made history.”
“I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City,” he said.
After 93% of votes were counted in the primary’s first round, Mamdani, a state representative, had 43.5% of the vote. Cuomo was at 36.4%.
Speaking at a campaign rally, Cuomo said Mamdani had run a “really smart and good and impactful campaign”.
“Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won,” Cuomo said.
Former New York governor and New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo speaks during his primary election night rally.
New York City uses a ranked-choice voting system, and as neither candidate is likely to reach 50%, the board of elections will now tally people’s second-choice candidates.
Mamdani, who cross-endorsed with Brad Lander, a progressive who came third with 11.4% of the vote, last week, is predicted to benefit more than Cuomo from the count. He thanked Lander in his speech, telling supporters: “Together we have shown the power of the politics of the future: one of partnership and sincerity.”
Mamdani’s stunning rise will serve as a rebuke to the Democratic establishment, and give hope to other progressives hoping to run in elections around the country. Cuomo was backed by deep pocketed donors and endorsed by a wave of centrist figures including Bill Clinton, but Mamdani benefitted from a surge of grassroots support among young people in particular.
Speaking on Tuesday night Cuomo said he had called Mamdani to “congratulate him”.
“He put together a great campaign and he touched young people and inspired them and moved them and got them to come out and vote,” Cuomo said. “I applaud him sincerely for his effort.”
Cuomo told the New York Times that he may still run in the November mayoral election as an independent.
“I want to analyze and talk to some colleagues,” he said.
But given the heavily Democratic makeup of New York, and the unpopularity of the incumbent Eric Adams, Mamdani will be favorite to become New York’s 11th mayor.